PORTLAND, Ore. -- Christian Cooney and Jake Holcroft each racked up three RBIs, but the Portland Pilots fell to the Niagara Purple Eagles 15-7 on Tuesday. Despite the loss, the Pilots still win the series.
Freshman Curtis Hebert (0-2) started and took the loss on the mound for Portland (10-6). Freshman Zach Johnson was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going one shutout inning without allowing a hit, walking one and striking out one.
Holcroft went 3-for-4 at the plate with a walk in addition to his three RBI's and Cooney put together a 1-for-2 day with a double, supplementing his three-RBI performance for the Pilots. Junior Jake Tsukada compiled a noteworthy effort as well, going 1-for-3 with two walks.
How it Happened
Portland gave up five runs in the opening inning and responded with just one. Holcroft came across to score the lone run of the inning for Portland off an error, putting the Pilots on the board.
The Pilots deficit expanded to 14-1 over the next six innings before their offense got back on the scoreboard. Cooney's bases-clearing double was the offense in a three-run inning for Portland, which tightened the Purple Eagles lead to 14-4.
Niagara scored one more run before the Portland offense got back in action, reducing that lead to 15-7 in the eighth. The Pilots scored three runs on a single from Holcroft. The Pilots were unable to get any closer, as neither team scored again in the ballgame.
Game Notes
» Holcroft led the Pilots, amassing three hits in the ballgame. It's the third time he's had at least three hits in a game this year.
» Holcroft and Cooney drove in three runs each for Portland. It's the second time that each batter has driven at least three RBI's or more.
» Portland pitchers faced 47 Niagara hitters in the game, allowing 13 ground balls and eight fly balls while striking out five.
» The Pilots drew four walks from Niagara pitching.
» Holcroft led the Pilots at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three RBI.
» Niagara was led offensively by freshman Gavin Shrader, who went 2-for-5 with two home runs and four RBI's.
» Junior Brady Kobitowich led the Purple Eagles pitching staff, throwing five innings of one-run ball.
» The Pilots have still won three of a possible four series this season.
Up Next
The Pilots will open WCC play against the Pepperdine Waves this coming weekend, starting with the opener on Friday, March 17 at 6 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options.
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